BYRON CENTER, Mich. — Kent District Library (KDL) has re-launched their '1,000 Books Before Kindergarten' program.
The program encourages exactly what is in its name: caregivers track a child's reading, hoping to add up to 1,000 books by the time they enter kindergarten. This can include board books, repeat books and infants simply thumbing through books.
"We’ve noticed kids who see books as enjoyable are more likely when they start school to be excited about learning," said Dawn Heerspink, librarian for youth services at the KDL Byron Township branch, "The biggest things for kids in school is to feel like they are confident learners. They have a growth mindset, like, 'I can do this, I know what to do with this tool, this book I’m given.'"
The program includes new artwork, a tracking and activity booklet and a new digital option.
"So, we feel we modernized the program for the next generation," said Heerspink.
It may sound daunting, but KDL says one thousand books is equal to about three books a day for a year, or one book a day for three years.
There are prizes for reading along with the challenge. Every 100 books, children will get a sticker for their progress poster. At 1,000 books, they will get a certificate and their very own book bag.
"So, they can start taking ownership of their materials and getting excited picking out their own books," said Heerspink.
You can stop into any KDL branch library to sign up, or do so online on the website.
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